FLAT-PACK furniture giant Ikea has been given the go-ahead to open a high street store in Tameside which will create 500 jobs.

The four-floor outlet that will provide a huge boost for the local economy is expected to open in October after being granted planning permission by the council.

Outline planning permission was granted a year ago after being approved by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

It will be only the second Ikea store in the north west - there is already one in Warrington.

Work is due to start shortly at the former United Utilities depot on the corner of Wellington Road and Oldham Road, Ashton under Lyne.

The Swedish furniture giant, which normally favours out-of-town locations, has revealed plans to take on the high street with 10 new town centre stores.

The announcement follows a High Court ruling in March last year, backing a decision by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to refuse planning permission for a 300,000 square foot Ikea superstore in Tiviot Way, Stockport.

Planning laws have frustrated the company, which felt the only way it could expand was to create city centre stores.

New level

Coun Kieran Quinn said: "The news that Ikea are coming to Ashton takes Tameside on to a new level economically.

"Attracting a company like Ikea might be seen as a mission impossible but it's a mission we've accomplished.

"Ikea looked at Tameside and liked what they saw. Now everybody at Tameside council is determined to ensure that other companies look at the borough and feel the same.

"It's an endorsement of all the hard work the council has done in the past to attract significant inward investment."

Scott Cordrey, of Ikea, said: "We're happy to have obtained such a good site in Ashton and glad that the plans have been approved. It's fantastic news for Ikea and all our customers in Greater Manchester."

The news will come as a blow to Stockport just months after Ikea said it was still on the hunt for a site in the town.

Coun Dave Goddard, who spearheads regeneration in Stockport, said: "The store in Tameside is not the same as the one planned for Stockport - it is a smaller one. Ikea told us that they would not reduce it on a matter of principle.

"I think it's a disappointment for everybody. I think Prescott now will get an Ikea that is acceptable to him but not one that the public needed."

Stockport council granted planning permission for the giant store in 2001 before it was referred to Mr Prescott who blocked the plans.